Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship, the Office of the Fire Commissioner, the Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization, Manitoba Health, Emergency Social Services and local authorities continue to respond to wildfires in northeast Manitoba.
Due to dry weather, the forest fire danger for the northeast region remains high. Rain in the northwest region and most of the southern areas of the province has reduced fire dangers in those areas.
There were five new fires reported yesterday in the northeast, all caused by humans. All of these fires are essentially under control after a successful firefighting response.
So far this year there have been 134 fires (116 caused by humans and 18 caused by lightning). Typically by this time of year there is an average of 172 fires.
To date, 111 people are evacuated from the Ilford area (Ilford and War Lake First Nation). Evacuees are being cared for in Thompson. As well, 134 workers remain evacuated from Manitoba Hydro’s Keeyask work site camp.
Planning is in place should an evacuation of York Landing be required.
Anyone living, working, camping or travelling in the northeast or northwest areas of the province is advised to use extreme caution and to avoid starting fires.
Ilford Fire
The fire near the community of Ilford/War Lake remains at approximately 143 square kilometres in size. So far, firefighting efforts to protect the community have been successful. Provincial and municipal officials continue to focus efforts to maintain the fire lines to protect the community. The response includes 65 firefighters, two water bombers and four single-engine, land-based tanker aircraft.
Keeyask Fire
A fire approximately 136 sq. km in size burned very close to the Manitoba Hydro work site camp at Keeyask. One water bomber and 10 firefighters have been able to provide protection for the structures and are continuing to secure a fire line near the site.
Smoke from wildfires can affect road conditions quickly. People are reminded not to attempt to drive or walk through roads inundated with smoke. Before travelling, check up-to-date road conditions at www.mb511.ca, on mobile devices at www.manitoba.ca, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MBGovRoads or by calling 511.
Additional information on fire prevention and current fire updates is available at www.manitoba.ca/wildfire.
